Imperial Beach council appoints Mariko Nakawadise to vacant District 3 seat after candidate interviews

The Imperial Beach City Council voted Wednesday to appoint Mariko Nakawadise to fill the District 3 vacancy, following a second round of interviews with two finalists and public comment. The council approved the appointment by motion and scheduled an oath of office for Oct. 15, 2025.

City Manager Tyler Fultz told the council the deadline to appoint a replacement is limited and that the alternative would be a special election. “You have 60 days to appoint … or you can call a special election,” Fultz said, adding staff’s estimate that a special election would cost about $250,000. That timeline and cost framed the council’s decision-making during the interview process.

Nakawadise and fellow finalist Patrick Bilberry answered identical, timed questions about committee preferences and budgeting priorities. Nakawadise said she was most interested in regional transportation representation and shoreline work—naming SANDAG (the San Diego Association of Governments) and the Shoreline Preservation Working Group—and said her funding priorities would be “protecting public safety, maintaining core city functions, and assuring long‑term financial stability.” Bilberry emphasized shoreline protection and local infrastructure, including sand replenishment and street maintenance, and urged prioritizing public safety.

Council members heard public comment from more than a dozen residents before making a nonbinding preference tally; city clerk Kelly displayed a preliminary count (Nakawadise 2, Bilberry 1). Supporters for Nakawadise who spoke included Abigail Ontiveras, Xander Ramirez, Roberto Quezada and Cynthia Cowie, who cited her community work and county experience. Supporters of Bilberry included Ignacio Martinez and former councilmember Lori Bragg, who pointed to Bilberry’s prior council experience.

After brief council discussion, Councilmember Leila Gonzalez moved to appoint Nakawadise; Councilmember Fisher seconded. City clerk Kelly announced the motion carried; the clerk read the ayes as Mayor Mitchell D. McKay, Mayor Pro Tem Seabury, Councilmember Fisher and Councilmember Leila Gonzalez. The council instructed staff to place a formal resolution of appointment and a swearing‑in on the Oct. 15 agenda.

City staff had advertised the vacancy and received eight applications; two applicants withdrew between the first and second interview rounds. Fultz reminded the council that the appointed term covers the remainder of the vacant term and that applicants who wish to serve beyond that period may pursue election when the seat is on the ballot.

The appointment ends a monthslong process that began after the District 3 seat became vacant; the council's action Wednesday ensures District 3 has representation at upcoming regional and local meetings.